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Magnetic Tape Testing and Interpretation

A tape specification should tell whether vrious tapes are interchangeable, which tapes are capable of the best performance and how to adjust the recorder for optimum performance. Measurement and usefulness of the following recording-performance parameters are discussed: Flux vs. bias current for constant signal current; third order distortion vs. bias current for medium and short wavelengths; dc-noise vs. bias current; and distortions vs. recorded flux.